'I've been burgled for the 30th time'

Phil Chappell, owner of BEC Car Hire and Scootex, on the Severn Bridge industrial estate, in Portskewett, learned on Sunday morning that thieves had broken in to his premises overnight.

He estimates this latest incident may cost him up to £20,000 - and has now written an eight-page letter to Tony Blair, challenging him to rid our communities of criminals.

Mr Chappell has battled for the last 12 months to rebuild his business after a fire destroyed it last January.

The fire, costing Mr Chappell around £750,000, was a suspected arson attack, but despite an investigation by police and the South Wales Fire Service, the cause remained undetermined.

The 54-year-old, from Caerwent, self-employed since he was 17, said: "The burglars broke in on Saturday night and ripped my alarm off the wall.

"They stole eight quad bikes, around 40 crash helmets, 30 motorcycle jackets, boots, cash, the lot."

Mr Chappell, who says he works 60 hours a week to make his business a success, added: "I'm incensed - I can't believe it has happened again.

"It's the 30th time I've suffered like this, and in all that time there's only been one successful conviction.

"I've written an eight-page letter to the prime minister to tell him what I think, and I want answers.

"There's an army of small businesses out there, like mine, which are the backbone of this country. And then there are career criminals who know if they get caught they might serve 18 months of a three-year prison sentence for their first offence. It makes good business sense to burgle.

"Crime is spiralling out of control in this country and I want to know what Tony Blair is going to do about it."

Mr Chappell said he is offering a £1,000 reward to anyone providing police with information that leads to the conviction of the burglars who raided him on Saturday night.

Police say the investigation is being carried out by Chepstow CID. Anyone with information should contact 01633 838111.